25 World War II Heroes Who Put Their Lives On The Line

In the midst of the pain, death, and horror of war there are numerous stories of ordinary people stepping up to the plate and making heroic sacrifices for their fellow soldiers and countrymen. Although the names and stories of most of these everyday heroes perish with history, every once in a while, one of those stories becomes legend and is told from generation to generation. These are the stories of 25 World War II heroes who put their lives on the line.

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Last Updated on March 24, 2017

25

Georg Ferdinand Duckwitz

Even though Georg Ferdinand Duckwitz was a member of the German forces during War World II, it did not mean that he hated the Jews as much as some of his comrades did. In fact, when Duckwitz learned of the roundup of the Danish Jews on October 1, 1943 he called politician Hans Hedtoft with an idea that would allow thousands of Jews to escape. At the end of the day he made it look like a failure on his part.

24

Raoul Wallenberg

Raoul Wallenberg, an envoy to Budapest from Sweden, was able to rescue about one hundred thousand Jews in Hungary by issuing documents to assure the safety of these Hungarian Jews from being deported and being brought into Nazi camps outside the country.

23

Giorgio Perlasca

When Giorgio Perlasca escaped to Hungary after many months of being detained in prison, he was able to convince the Nazis that he was a Spanish diplomat. Thanks to his perfect cover, he was able to give visas to many Jews, which they then used as a means of escape.

22

Angel Sanz Briz

Like Girgio Perlasca, Angel Sanz Briz was actually a Spanish diplomat to the country of Hungary. He was able to protect thousands of Jews from the Nazis by granting amnesty given that Spain was neutral during the World War.

21

Coronel Jose Arturo Castellanos Contreras

El Salvador could never be any more proud of Coronel Jose Arturo Castellanos Contreras as he played a major role in protecting numerous Jews in Switzerland during the World War. In fact, this Salvadorian diplomat made sure that over 25,000 Jews were able to get away from the Nazis by issuing them Salvadorian visas.